In that case, he
said, it might be some time before the robbery
was discovered."
"He will himself make an unpleasant discovery
when he opens the box. I don't think
there is any call to pity him, do you, Carl?"
"No, sir. I should like to be within sight
when he opens it."
The manufacturer laughed quietly.
"Yes," he said; "if I could see it I should
feel repaid for the loss of the box. Let it be
a lesson for you, my boy. Those who seek to
enrich themselves by unlawful means are likely
in the end to meet with disappointment."
"Do you think I need the lesson?" asked Carl, smiling.
"No, my lad. I am sure you don't. But
you do need a good night's rest. Let us go
to bed at once, and get what sleep we may.
I won't allow the burglary to keep me awake."
He laughed in high good humor, and Carl
went up to his comfortable room, where he soon
lost all remembrance of the exciting scene of
which he had been a witness.
Mr. Jennings went to the factory at the
usual time the next morning.
As he entered the office the bookkeeper
approached him pale and excited.
"Mr. Jennings," he said, hurriedly, "I have
bad news for you."
"What is it, Mr. Gibbon?"
"When I opened the safe this morning, I
discovered that the tin box had been stolen."
Mr. Jennings took the news quietly.
"Have you any suspicion who took it?" he asked.
"No, sir. I--I hope the loss is not a heavy one."
"I do not care to make the extent of the loss public.
Were there any marks of violence? Was the safe broken open?"
"No, sir.
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